MANILA, Philippines --- Slated for a grand opening today (June 6) in theaters nationwide, “Boy Pick Up: The Movie” starring Ogie Alcasid, will prove if “pick up” lines or “punch lines” can make a movie a box-office hit!

Ogie said that he plays a character that one would hate, but somehow he manages to overcome the problem. He is an irreverent character, and even jobless in the movie! But he proves he would really be a lead actor in a movie, something he achieved after 25 years in the business.

Ogie conceptualized the storyline of the movie. The movie is rich in humor, and understandably pick-up lines. And since pick up line is the fad, it is expected that the movie will be another comedy box-office hit!

Boy Pick Up is a segment of “Bubble Gang,” the country’s longest running weekly comedy show on GMA-7. It’s not surprising at all that the segment became so popular considering the ingenuity of Ogie and Michael V. for comedies.

The people behind the production of “Boy Pick Up” should have invited Sen. Miriam Santiago to play a cameo because she is also known for her pick up lines! In a speech she delivered before students of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, she dished out several pick up lines such as: “Masasabi mo bang bobo ako kung ikaw lang ang laman ng utak ko!” “Straw ka ba? Kasi sipsip ka na, plastic ka pa!”

Also in the cast of “Boy Pick Up” are Dennis Trillo, Solenn Heussaff (she’s good in her role), Sam Pinto, Jackie Rice, Ellen Adarna, Sarah Lahbati, Antonio Aquitania, Boy 2 Quizon, Diego, Moymoy Palaboy, Eri Neeman, Pepe Smith, Lilia Cuntapay and Michael V.

• • •

‘ATM,’ A Fun Comedy To Watch

Also opening today in selected SM Cinemas is another fun comedy to watch, “ATM,” the latest box-office hit movie from the Thai film outfit “Gmm Tai Hubb Co., Ltd. (GTH) starring two of Thailand’s well-loved young stars Chantavit “Ter” Dhanasevi and Preechaya “Ice” Pongthananikorn who, together with the director, Mez Theraton, came over for the red carpet premiere and press conference for the movie held last Sunday at Cinema 4 of SM Megamall.

In Bangkok alone, “ATM” has grossed 152.5 million baht, making it the highest film of 2012 and No. 5 in the list of Thailand’s all-time biggest hits. We found out why this was so when we watched the premiere of the movie. We intended to just watch a portion since we were also going to watch the premiere of “Boy Pick Up” at nearby Cinema 9, but the story got us hooked.

We described “ATM” as a winner. And in fact, it is not only in Bangkok but also in other countries like Singapore and Indonesia, and in the Philippines too we’re almost certain.

“ATM,” which comes on the heels of the Asian blockbuster “Hello Stranger” from the same producer, is not the usual romantic comedy but it’s so unpredictably funny and the humor is spontaneous. There’s really no dull moment and the audience at the premiere kept laughing and shrieking with pure glee.

“ATM” tells the story of of Sua, a bank employee (Ter) who secretly dates his boss Job (Ice) but they have to keep their relationship a secret because of the bank rule that prohibits its employees from falling in love with each other. If they do so, one has to resign.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, June 6, go to Criselda “Gay” Gloria, Monette Flores, Greg Lerma, and movie director Dante “Ga” Nico Garcia… Happy wedding anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Larry de los Santos…